Live Alive, Not Just a Life: Guidelines for Rebelling Against “Reality”
Death happens, and as I watched as the ambulance carry away the woman who had just suffered a head-on collision, I couldn’t help but reflect on the unpredictability of life. Imagining my own sudden death, I began to ponder the implications, including what would happen to this website. How would readers ever know? Would it seem as if I had just stopped posting? But perhaps most important that I reflected on: Was I able to convey my message? What things would I have wanted to shout out to the world that perhaps I hadn’t yet?
So today, I’m going to imagine as if this were my last post. What’s the big picture here? What do I truly hope that readers take from all of this?
Some of my more recent posts have focused heavily on big, philosophical questions, which I’ve brought up because I feel it’s important to examine unconventional perspectives and subsequently prompt critical thinking. The reason why I think critical thinking is so important, is because I believe that in doing so, we are essentially giving ourselves choices. Choices to think in other ways. Choices to see beyond the horizon. Choices to take alternative perspectives. Choices as to what we believe, and the ability to cite why–not simply “just because”–and in doing so, enable us to choose who we want to be.
And, isn’t the ability to be who we want to be–not just some version of who everyone else is–worth taking the time to consider?
That said, at the end of the day there comes a certain point in which it can become counterproductive to engage in too many debates that may or may not ever result in an answer. That’s not to imply that there isn’t value in the debate itself, but simply that sometimes, there’s more value in getting out there and taking life by the lapel–by fully engaging with the world around us–instead of philosophizing about it from behind a computer screen. In doing so, we naturally live our way into our own philosophies through experience, which is far more meaningful than anything I could ever say here.
And that’s what this is all about. LIVING. In the end, we’re only here for a limited time, and while we all seem to recognize this as a fact, most of us don’t seem to actually consider the implications–likely because it puts pressure on us. It puts pressure on us to act. And pressure stresses us out, so we avoid it. On the other hand, by ignoring the harsh truthfulness of this statement, it’s easier to justify being apathetic & unconcerned, and become reactive instead of proactive, passively accepting mediocre days that eventually turn into a mediocre years that can eventually turn into a mediocre lifetime. Because we figure that there’s always tomorrow, always next week, always next month, or next year. But there isn’t always going to be. And then we will have died, having just gone through the motions and doing everything everyone else wanted us to do, but nothing we wanted to do. Nothing that truly lights us up inside. We will have made choices based on majority rules, or because everyone else was doing it. And despite the urge to do something exceptional, we figure that it must not be realistic, or else, why wouldn’t everyone be doing it? So we settle. We accept. We concede. And sure, we survive. But is that all we have to hope for? To just survive?
There’s just too many experiences to be had, too many connections to be made, too many memories to be formed, too many beautiful sights to witness and too many moments that have the potential to truly make us come alive. Living through experiences is what makes us actually alive; living through established tradition, on the other hand, is what results in just a life. Live alive, not just a life.
That said, I’m going to lead the list with that. Here’s to messages that are important to me to communicate, and are the reason that I began this site in the first place:
1. True living is more than just keeping your heart beating and a roof over your head. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that is “just how life goes.” There’s way more possibilities, and, yes, IT IS WORTH GOING AFTER. Be daring.
2. Stop blowing yourself off; we get so upset when others blow off our ideas and desires, but we have no problem doing it to ourselves. Take your ideas, feelings, wants, wishes, yearns & urges seriously–those are your only true guide. Other people have no idea what’s best for you, so stop seeking their validation. Do what you need to do for you. Be confident.
3. Stop doing everything by the book. It’s time to start drafting your own revised edition. Rules don’t always exist in the name of the greatest good; more often than not, they exist because someone wants to establish or maintain power. And that’s just not a good enough reason. Be inquisitive.
4. Life is a series of choices. You choose every single direction that your life takes. Use it to your advantage. Be deliberate.
5. There will be people out there who won’t support what you’re doing. Who cares. Trust yourself more, trust others less. That includes significant others. Be brave.
6. Figure out what you value, and make the necessary changes to align your life with those values. If you value time more than money, stop working 60 hour work weeks. The only way you’ll get more time, is by doing less. It’s simple math. Be introspective.
7. Speaking of money, IT ISN’T AS IMPORTANT AS WE’RE TAUGHT TO THINK IT IS. Money comes, and money goes, and it provides little value itself until you actually exchange it for something that is valuable to you. So, ask yourself that question. What do you value? That’s where the majority of the money you spend should be going. Be prudent.
8. Having good intentions doesn’t yield results. Get off your ass and make it happen. Be zealous.
9. Life isn’t meant to be taken so seriously. In the scheme of things, if you’re going to be late to work, it doesn’t really matter. If you don’t get an A, it doesn’t really matter. If you’re proven wrong about something, it doesn’t really matter. If your house isn’t as nice as your best friend’s, it doesn’t really matter. Relax, and enjoy the ride. Think big picture, not details. Will this matter in 100 years? Be panoramic.
10. The world is not judging you as much as you think they are. Most people are too wrapped up in themselves to even notice what you’re doing. Drop the pride and have a little fun. Be lighthearted.
11. Perhaps one of the greatest goals we can seek for ourselves is exhilaration. Are you exhilarated by your life? Be stimulated.
12. When making decisions, always ask what’s more important. Thinking about canceling on an invitation to a friend’s baby shower or birthday party because you have too much work to do? Get your head out of your ass. Your friend is more important; work can always be done later. Nothing is that urgent. Relationships, however, are your foundation and you’d be lost without other human connections, so value them. And show it. Be thoughtful.
13. You don’t just need to love yourself; you need to respect yourself. You’ll garner that respect by accomplishing things you’ve set out to do. Be relentless.
14. Being content with your life and being proud to call it yours are two different things. Strive for the latter. Be courageous.
15. Last but not least, wine should be drank with meals. Preferably Argentinian Malbec. It’s freaking delicious. Be delighted.
Fortunately, I am not dead, and this is not my last post. Unfortunately, I’m out of Malbec. With that, I’m off to go put #8 into practice.
Have you got any to add to the list? Let’s pool our collective knowledge and share some wisdom–humorous additions welcome.
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Panasonic Gets The First Full HD 3D Customers
It's not really a surprise, but at an event at a Best Buy store in New York City this morning, Panasonic and Best Buy showed off the first customers actually buying a combination of a large-screen 3D set, 3D glasses, and a 3D Blu-ray player. It was part of Panasonic's official launch of its 3D plasma line-up, which included some new information on content from DirectTV and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.
The first customers, Brad and Ashley, spent a total of $3,157.33 (including tax) for their 3D products. List price of the VT20 50-inch plasma set is just under $2,500, including one pair of 3D glasses, and the BDT300 Blu-ray player is just under $400. Additional pairs of glasses cost $150 each. Panasonic says that 54-, 58-, and 65-inch plasma sets should be available soon, with pricing to be announced.
At a panel announcing that the first sales would be exclusively through Best Buy's Magnolia Home Theater retailers, Shiro Kitajima, president of Panasonic Consumer Electronics, said that 100,000 customers have already tried out Panasonic's 3D system via a demonstration truck, and that Panasonic would be offering five TVs, a Blu-ray player, and a Blu-ray home-theater product this year.
Mary Daily of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment said that the company's first 3D Blu-ray title would be Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, out in April. (A flier in the store said that purchasers of the 3D TV and Blu-ray player bundle would get both that disk and Coraline by mail.)
A DirectTV spokesman confirmed that the satellite provider was on track to launch three 3D channels in June, with a mix of programming, including a plan to offer the Major League Baseball all-star game in 3D (in conjunction with Fox). He said the company was talking to ESPN but had not yet reached a deal for carrying ESPN 3D. He said that 3D would only be a software upgrade for DirectTV boxes, so customers would not need new hardware on that end.
Of course, the panel had lots of discussion about the benefits of 3D, with Best Buy America's President Michael Vitelli talking about how it provides an "immersive" experience that lets you feel like you are "in the game, not just at the game." Panasonic Senior VP Bob Perry said you could "literally" step into the picture (of course, he meant figuratively).
Both emphasized that the new sets are Panasonic's best TVs for watching 2D HDTV content as well, and are being "future-proofed" in offering a way to 3D. Perry said that Panasonic had redesigned the phosphors and control logic in the set for better picture quality. Indeed, customer Ashley told me they had gone into the store planning to buy a large-screen HDTV but had been concerned that 3D was coming, when they were offered the opportunity to buy the first 3D set.
Executives predicted huge growth for the 3D TV market, with Vitelli saying industry estimates were between 1 and 5 million 3D TVs sold in the U.S. this year. Perry predicted sales of 2 million sets. He also said he expected 3D to become a standard feature in TVs in a relatively short time. It took HDTV 12 years from when the first sets were introduced to when it became in virtually all TVs, because consumers didn't know what HD would look like, he said; but because consumers are family with 3D from movies, he thinks the adoption will be much faster.
One drawback both mentioned was the different standards for glasses. Panasonic's glasses will work only with their TVs, and the same is true for other makers. Both Vitelli and Perry made a push for an industry standard for glasses, with Perry saying he wanted a standard, but that they couldn't compromise on quality.
Here's more coverage from PCMag.
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Gorgeous Easter set 3 pieces 6-9 months ( Toronto ) $30.00
This is a cute NWT dress by TCP older line, not the regular pinky stuff... From the last picture I included only the pants and the bolero as the top had... an accident and the socks are... used. You c
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Feed : Latest Kijiji ads. Location: Toronto. Category: buy and sell > baby items > clothing - 6-9 months.
RED/ORANGE HEAVY WEDDING LENGHA WITH GREEN GEMSTONES includes JEWLERY (College Street and Yonge Street) $700
RED/ORANGE HEAVY WEDDING LENGHA WITH GREEN GEMSTONES includes JEWLERY SET & PURSE
CHEAP!! Price dropped down for quick sale :)
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Bottom: Red and orange crepe silk Farshee lehenga (A-Line fill skirt sweep train) has been fully embellished with floral embroidery all over. Heavily embellished wide hemline border in orange. Colourful (mostly green) gemstones detailing. Piping edges finished. Fully lined. Concealed zip closure on side.
Dupatta/Veil: Red and orange chiffon dupatta has been heavily embellished from border on net. Floral embroidery alike lehenga all over. Finished with lining and piping edges on borders.
Embellishment work includes gemstones, Swarovski crystals, beads, sequins, kamdani, diamantes, kora, dabka and applique. 100% handmade embellishments. 100% pure imported fabric.
ALSO INCLUDED IS A MATCHING PURSE AND GOLD PLATED JEWELERY SET!!
Also sold separately Pink Gold Jewelry Set for $125, please see picture
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